Baseball Game Preview: Discovery Spartans vs. Auburndale Bloodhounds

The Discovery Spartans will head out on the road to square off against the Auburndale Bloodhounds at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Discovery has given up an average of 6.6 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Discovery is headed into Friday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game on Thursday. They took a 14-9 hit to the loss column at the hands of Ridge Community.

Edrick Rivera

Runs

04/03/25 @ Ridge Community	3
03/13/25 vs The Vine Christian Academy	2
03/10/25 @ Lake Placid	2
03/04/25 vs Haines City	2
03/19/25 vs Four Corners	1
+ 6 more games

Edrick Rivera and Jose Quintero stepped up to the plate in a big way. Rivera scored three runs and stole a base while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances, while Quintero scored three runs and stole two bases while going 3-for-5. Discovery is 3-1 when Rivera posts two or more runs, but 4-10 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Evan Devore, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-4.

Meanwhile, Auburndale fell victim to Sebring and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They lost 7-0 to the Blue Streaks. The Bloodhounds have struggled against the Blue Streaks recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive lost meeting.

Auburndale saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Luke (Jonathan) Slagel, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base.

Auburndale's loss dropped their record down to 5-16. As for Discovery, their defeat dropped their record down to 7-11.

The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Discovery has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 5.8 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Auburndale struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 2.7 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.

Discovery suffered a grim 13-5 defeat to Auburndale in their previous matchup back in February. Can the Spartans avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.